Annealing furnace



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' UNITED STATES ANNEALING EURNAcE. original 'appncatinalmeaFebruary 21, 1922, serial N0. 538,238. nivia'eaand this application ined PATEN'roErlcE.-

THOMAS rnaoock ANTHONY, or EnGEwATEn man, NEW assIGNOn To UNITED -sra'ms` vcasar :EON PIPE a FOUNnnY COMPANY, OE BURLINGTON, NEW- :rEasEY, CORPORATION OE NEW JERSEY.

. nays, 1923. sum1 No. 636,494.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be'it'known that I, THOMAS PEAoocK AN- THONY, alcitizen of the United States,resd ing at Edgewater Park, in the county of 6 `Burlington and State of'New Jersey, have invented a certainr new and useful Improvement `in Annealing Furnaces, whereof the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings. 10 l A hereinafter described, my invention may be advantageously employed for ann ealin tured ywhat are known as centrifuga-l processes'fandthis application is, in part, a division of my application Serial 538,238, Filed'February 21, 1922 for Letters Patent of the United States,- wherein such a process of centrifugally castingpipe is claimed.

In such processes, a cylindrical mold isV rotated whilemoltenl iron is poured therein, so that the socalled centrifugal force which rotation develops in a revolving mass, compelsthe moltenl iron to distribute itself in a cylindrical tubular shell of uniform thickness on the inside of the rotating mold. Or-

dinarily, such molds are water-cooled upon their exterior, with the result'that the-iron cast therein is' chilleduponf its outer sur` face to a depth Iof approximately one-thirty- `second of an inch;necessitating'c'v a "subsequent annealing process to soften the lsurface of the pipe which is thus hardened.

Such hardness of.' the outer surface of chilled castings'is due tothe fact that the quicker solidifcationincident to the rapid cooling of the metahcoming in contact with the chilled' mold aforesaid, causes the retention of much combined carbonand thus prevents the formation o fgraphite in the portions of thecast'ngs thus chilled. The purpose and efl'ect of the 'annealing herein contemplated' are to Vconvert the hard brittle cementite -into particles of soft graphitic carbon and, incidentally, to eliminate some of the carbon in combination with such oxygen as may reach it. However, the rinoipal object or effect of the furnace an rocess herein contemplated is'the graphitizing of the cementite at a temperature above the of course, below its temperature of solidiication. In order to effect such annealing at a desirably rapd rate; it is necessary to Nsulojec'i', the 'pipes to temperatures so nearly pipes which have been manufae.

critical'point A0321 of the cast iron and,

approaching the solidiicationftemperature of cast iron that the pipes might sag, of their own weight, and thus become distorted by the mere gravitation of their mass if al- 1 v lowed to remain in one position during the j timev required for the annealing process.i

Therefore, an essential feature of the furnace herein claimed is the means for turning the pipes upon their axes while they are subjected to such temperatures.

As hereinafter described; an essential element of the means for thus'turningthe pipes under treatment,- are rollers upon which the pipes rest and which are notched at one portion of their peripheries, so that as the rollers are rotated, on axes parallel with the axis of the pipe, `they alternately turn the pipe and `progress it transversely from one .pair of such notched rollers to another in a series extending vfrom one yend of ythe fur-` nace to the other.

As hereinafter described, my invention includes means for supporting and turning I such a series of rollers upon atruck frame provided with supporting xwheels, which frame .is normally stationary in the furnace but may be withdrawn, upon its supporting Wheels aforesaid, when it is desired to afford access to the roller driving mechanism which is carried by said truck.y c A My invention includes the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified. In said drawings: Fig. I is a longitudinal sectional view 'of an annealing'furnace conveniently'embodying my invention, taken on f the line I, I in Fig.

II. v Fig II is a; transverse sectional viewof said furnace, taken on the line II,.II in Fig. I. i

Fig. III is a fragmentary vertical Vseotional view;v the right hand-end thereof beingSilnilar to the right hand end of Fig. I, 'A

but on a larger scale, and the left'hand end thereof being taken III, III inFig. V. 1 Fig. IV is an elevation of the right hand end of said truck shown in Fi I and III,

of the furnace adapted to support said truck. F1g.' V isa transverse sectional view of on the section line "with a fragmentarysection o the portion said truck and-4 parts of the furnace indicated in Fig. IV, taken onthe line V, V in rig. In.'

Fig. VI is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of said-truck; the left hand portion thereof being taken on the line VI, VI in Fig. V, and the right hand portion thereof being taken on the lne VI', VI

. base pit 1, extendinglongitudinally between the rail ledges 2, 2, upon which are mounted the` truck rails 3, 3 with sealing gutters 5, 5 at opposite sides thereof, formed in the foundations 6. Said foundations may be, conveniently formed of concrete with air inlet passageways 7 extending beneath the floor 8, and support the side walls 9 and front and rear walls 10 and 11. Said walls 9 include air fines-12 beneath the hearths 13. Longitudinal series of twyers 14 extend upon opposite sides of said furnace, vin the region of the combustion chamber 15, through which blasts of hot products of combustion of oil or gas may be directed above said hearths 13; such blasts being deected upwardly by the bafile wallsl beneath the overhangmg arch 18. Said products of combustion pass from the chamber 15 beneath the overhanging bridge wall 19 into the flue chamber 20 from which they vcc escape through flue vents 21.

Said front wall 10 has the opening 23 through which pipes 24, in an unannealed state, and preferably retaining the heat incident to the operation of casting them, are introduced -to saidcombustion chamber 15, and said rear wall 11 has the opening 25 through which the pipesv 24 are discharged, in an annealed state. I iind it convenient tc confine theheated atmosphere within said furnace by the chaincurtains 26 and 27 which are respectively pendent over said openings 23 and 25.

The essential feature of my improved mechanism for" progressing said pipes 24 through said furnace is the longitudinal series of rollers 29 and v30. Said rollers 29 and 30 are thus differently marked because of vtheir location in respectively different verticalplanes, as indicated in Fig. V, to permit them to be overlapped, as indicated in Fig. I, but are all the same shape, which is best shown in Fig. III,eacli having a peripheral recess 31 which merges into lthe circular circumference of the roller toward the right with a gradual curve, but forms a crest 32 at lits junction with said circumference at the left. The effect of such construction and arrangement is that when said `rollers are turned clockwise, as indicated by the arrows in Figs. I-and III, they merely turn said pipes 24 upon the respective pipe axes, in the opposite direction, without progressing the pipes through the furnace, during the traverse of the circular circumference of said rollers beneath the respective pipes but, when, by such turning movement of .said rollers, the pipes are lowered into said recesses 31, they are caught by said crests and shifted to the right in Figs. I and III as said rollers continue to turn beneath the pipes; the movement thus effected being from one roller to the next in the series eX- tending toward the right in said figures.

However, it is to be understood that said pipes may be rotated upon their own axes. for any desired len progressing them, *by merely reversing the direction of rotation of said rollers 29 and 30 during the time it is desiredto thus detain said pipes. However, if' thespeed of rotation of said rollers is properly calibrated coming and outgoing pipes; said' rollers may be continuously turned clockwise with the effect of progressing the pipes step by step at each revolution of said rollers.

The above described, movements of said rollers may be effected by any suitable means. However, I prefer to mount pairs of said rollers 29 upon respective shafts 34 and pairs of said rollers 3() upon respective y shafts 35, and to provide each of said shafts with acentral worm gear 36, as best shown in Fig'V. Said gea-rs 36 are respectively engaged with worms 37, as indicated in Figs. V and VI, carried by the common worm shaft 38 v.which has the worin gear 40 rigidly connected therewith lat its rear end within the housing 41. Said worm gear 4G is engaged by the worm 42 on the driving shaft 43, having the lgear 45, as shown in Fig. IV, engaged by the pinion 46 which may be rotated by any suitable motor. 'It is to "be understood that the construction and arrangement above described are such that when said motor pinion 46 is rotated, 'all of said rollers 29 and 30 are rotated,

0th of time, without thus.

'with reference to the temperature of the in- Ill as above contemplated, and said motor pin- Although the mechanism for driving the rollers v29-'and 30'as above described may -be permanently mounted in the furnace inc1osure; I 'prefer to mount-it in a truck 48 'which is removable with respectt'o said inclosure, upon supporting wheels 49, of which there are four pairs resting .upon said tracks 3, as indicated in Figs. I yand II; said wheels being 'rc'vikieirwithI independent 'axles- 5o journa ed in the longitudinal frames 51 of said truck, asbest shown in Fig. -V. Said longitudinal frames 51 are rigidly connected by the transverse frames 52, which also support intermediate longitudinal frame members53. The whole truck frame is protected with -a covering of refractory material 511i` 57 for water or other refrigerant which through pipes 58.

is circulated through said passageways, As indicated in Fig. VIII; said 'passageways 57 are conveniently formed by drillin two holes in such angular relat'ion that ey` connect at their inner ends. As indicated in Fig. VII; I find it convenient to form said shafts 34 and 35 'each of two oppositely counterpart sections which are held together in the hubs of the worin gears 36 by bolts 60 and are rigidly connected withlsaid gears by keys61, as best shown at the' left hand side of Fig. VI.

As indicated in Figs. III, V, and VI; I preferto provide each of said shafts 34 and 35 and the gears and bearings there-k of with housings which include two arched castings 62, which are coupled by arch caste ings 63, as best shown in Fig. V. Moreover,

I find it convenient to vprovide said woriny shaft 38J with roller bearings-65 supported lojy said truck frames 53 as indicated in Fig. I. Referring to Fig. III; it maybe ob- '.'served' that the construction .and arrange removing said motor ment of said gear- 45 which is carried by said truck, and the motor pinion`46 which is ordinarily meshed therewith, is such that said truck: may be withdrawn from operative engagement with the motor without pinion 46. f

As indicatedin Figs. IV and V; said truck frames 51 carry sealing flanges 67 which slide in; said sealing grooves- 5 in -a mobile sealing material 68, which maybe sand or any other material suitable for preventing a` draft between the truck frame and the furnace foundation 6 so as not to disturb the course of the products Ofcombustion above described and attain the maximum heating eiiicien'cy thereof with respect to the pipes 24.A However, although such details of construction are of practical importance in the embpdiment'of'iny invention chosen for illustration, ,they are not essential tothe operationjof the rollers 29 and 30 as 'above described.

For thepurpose of .annealing cast4 iron being cast.

pipes, I` prefer to maintain the confined atmosphere in said furnace at a temperature K above 1400 F., at the region of introduction of said pipes 24, and to'introduce the latter while the pipe is at a temperature -above 1000o F., and topprogress the pipes through said furnace at suoli a rate that they are cooled to less than 500o F.. before i withdrawing them `from said secluded atmosphere into the Vopen atmosphere. However, such temperatures of introduction, an-

nealing and withdrawal may be 4varied in accordance with the nature of the metal Therefore, I do notA desire limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement herein set forth, aS it is obvious that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the essen-v tial features of my invention, as defined in the appended claims.

' I claim: v

1. In an annealing furnace; the combination with an inclosure; of means arranged to maintain a confined vatmosphere therein at suitable temperatures, at one region,

means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, into regions of successively, lower temperature, in such atmosphere, including series of overlappedl rollers with their axes parallel with said pipe axis; each rollerhaving a major sector concentric with its axis; and a minor sector which is recessed to form a. crest, at one sideof said recess; means arranged to simultaneously rotate said rollers in either direction, including shaftscoupling said rollers in pairs, respective worm gears on said shafts, worms respectively engaging said gears, a worin shaftcommon to said worms,'a worm gear on said worm shaft, a' worin engaging the latter gear, a driving shaft transverse to said common shaft and carrying the latter worm, a gear on said driving-shaft, and a carryinglsaid rollers. and their apurtenarices, and having supporting wheels; and tracks lfor Asaid truck wheels, whereby said rollers may be shifted in and out of said furnace, onsaid truck.

v2.v In an annealing furnace; the com-bil nation with an inclosure; ofmeans arranged to maintain a. confined atmosphere therein at suitable temperatures, at one region, means .arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, into regions of succeively lower temperature, in such atmosphere, .includving series of overla ped rollers with their axes parallel with said pipe axis; ,each roller having a major sector concentric'lwith itsaxis, and a minor sector which isrece'ssed to form a crest, Aat one Vside 'of said recess; means anangied to simultaneously rotlte iso 110 motor. pinion engagingl said gear; a truck said rollers in either direction, including shafts coupling said rollers in pairs; a truck carrying said rollers and their appurtenances, and having Supporting wheels; and tracks for said truck Wheels, whereby said rollers may be shifted in and out of said furnace, o-n said truck.

3. In ali-annealing furnace; the combination with an inclosure; of means arranged to maintain a confined atmosphere therein at suitable temperatures; means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, into regions of successively lower temperature, in such atmosphere, until said pipe has cooled; including series of overlapped rollers vwith their axes parallel with said pipe axis; each roller having a major sector concentric with its axis, and a minor sector which is recessed to form a crest, at one side vof said recess; means arranged to simultaneously rotate said rollers in either direction, including shafts coupling said rollers in pairs, respective worm gears on said shafts, worms respectively engaging said gears, a worm shaft common to said worms,-

a wormgear on said worm shaft, na worm engaging the latter gear, a driving shaft transverse to said common shaft and carrying the latter worm, a gear on said driving shaft, and a motor pinion engaging said gear.

4. In an annealing furnace; the combination with an inclosure; of means arranged to maintain a confined atmosphere therein at suit-able temperatures; means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, into regions of successively lower temperature, in such atmosphere, until said pipe has cooled; including series of rollers with their axes parallel with' said pipe axis; each roller having a major sector concentric with its axis, and a minor sector which is recessed to form a crest, at one side of said recess;

and means arranged to simultaneously rotate said rollers in either direction, including shafts coupling said rollers in pairs.

5. In an annealing furnace; the combination with an inclosure; of means-arranged yto. maintain a confined atmosphere therein at suitable temperatures; means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, into` regions of successively lower temperature, in such atmosphere, until said pipe has cooled; includin series of rollers with their axes parallel Wit said pipe axis; each roller having asector'eoncentric with its axis, and

. a sector'fwhich'is recessed; and means arv [ranged to simultaneously rota-te said rolle-rs 4in either direction. l

\ 6. In angannealing furnace; the-combination with an inclosure; of-means arranged t0 maintain a confined atmosphere therein at suitable temperatures; means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently v progress the latter, transversely, 'l

able temperatures; means arranged to rof tate a pipe upon its own axis andintermittently progress the latter, transversely in said furnace; including rollers with their axes parallel with said pipe axis; each roller having at its circumference nieansarranged to engage and turn a pipe; means arranged to simultaneously rotate said rollers; and a truck carrying said rollers and their appurtenances, and having supporting wheels; whereby said rollers maybe shifted in and out of said furnace, on said truck.

8I In an annealing furnace; the combination with van inclosure; of means arranged to maintain an atmosphere therein at suitable temperatures; means arranged to rotate a pipe upon its own axis and intermittently progress the latter, transversely, in said furnace; including rollers with their axes parallel with said pipe axis, each roller having at its circumference means arranged to engage and turn a pipe, and means arranged to simultaneously rotate said rolle-rs.

9. A pipe annealing furnace having a long furnace chamber with `a bottom formed with the same length as the furnace, refractory material supported on said carriageI and forming, when the carriage is in place, a central section of t-he furnace bottom spaced from the fixed section by longitudinally extending spaces, a series of transversely extending parallel .shafts Vjsupported on the carriage and extending into the longitudinal spaces at the sides thereof, pipe supporting rollers secured to the ends of the shafts and extending above the furnace bottom and means for simultaneously driving the shafts and rollers supported on the carriage below the refractory material carried thereby.

10. A pipe annealing furnace having a long furnace chamber with a; bottom formed with a longitudinally extending opening in combination with a carriage movable into and out of said openingfand substantially of the same length as the furnace, refractory material supported on'said carriage and forming, when the carriage is in place, a centralysection of the furnace bottom spaced from the fixed section by longitudinally exi/,espos I Y -ending spaces,`means for forming a seal versely extending parallel shafts supported on the carriage and extending lnto the longitudinal spaces at the sides thereof, (pipe su-pporting' rollersv secured to the en s of the shafts and extendingabove the furnace bottom and means for simultaneously driving the shafts and rollers supported on the carriage below the refractorymaterial carried thereby. i

11. A pipe; annealing furnace having a long furnace chamber with a bottom formed with a longitudinally extending opening in combination with' a carriage movable into and out of said opening, and substantially of the same length as the furnace, refractory material supported on said carriage and forming, when the carriage is :in place, a central section of the furnace bottom s aced i from the xed section by longitudinal y extending spaces, and forming also protecting- Walls for the sides of the carriage, a series' of transversely extending parallel` shafts supported onthe carriage and extending into the longitudinal spaces at' the ksides thereof, pipe suporting rollers secured to the ends of the shafts and extending above the furnace bottom and means for simultaneously driving the shafts and rollers sup- -ported on the carriage below the refractory material carried thereby. v

12. A carriage adapted for use in connectionI with a pipe annealing furnace, said carriage having a'steel frame, a multiple series of parallel sets of aligned water cooled bearings suported on said frame, a multipleseri'es of parallel shafts supported in said bearings and extending beyond the sides of the carriage, means for 'simultaneously driving 'saidv shafts, pipe suporting rollers supported'on the endsof the shafts, and'refractorymaterial supported on thecarriage frame and protecting-the top and sidesof the frame from the healtrof the furnace.

13. A carriage adapted for use in connection with a pipe annealing furnace, said carriage comp-rising a steel frame, a. mul-V tiple series of` ali ed sets of Water cooled bearings supporte on `the frame, `a multiple series of'` parallel shafts 'supported' on the, bearingsand extending beyond the sides of the, carriagepipe supporting rollers secured on the ends'ofthe shafts, means for simultaneously rotating the shafts and rollers,

-a Vseries of parallel metal arches supported on the top of the carri e frame and forming housings for the s afts and bearings and refractory material supported on said arches and on the sidesof the carri to protect the same .frein the heat ofthe'fm'- nace. y t

14. A carriageadapted foruse in connection with a pipe annealing furnace comprising a steel frame', aseries of parallel shafts extending beyond the sides of the frame, pipe supporting rollers secured to the ends of said shafts and alternately overlapping each other s o as to form a series of pipe sup portin bights, said rollers having recesses orme in their pi e supporting faces to receive and shift t e plpes from one tov a succeedingv bight, means for simultaneously rotating. the shafts and rollers 'and refractory material supported on the top and sides of the fframe to protect' the shaft bearings and actuating mechanismfrom the'heat of the furnace.

.l In testimony whereof, have hereunto signed myname at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this twenty-fourth dayI ofy April,

THOMAS PEACOCK ANTHONY. Witnesses: y

ARTHUR E. PAIGE,

CAROLINE E. REUTER 

